The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in Idaho recently discussed a planned expansion of the?Fort Hall Casino & Hotel?at their annual tribal meeting.
Spokeswoman for Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Randy L’Teton said that a new?casino could?be added?onto the Events Center and hotel and a bar is?included in the plans. The current casino would be converted into a bingo hall. The casino expansion cost has been estimated at $35.2 million.
The Tribe has a current loan of $21.8 million that was used?to finance the existing hotel and this will be refinanced to a new balance of $57 million to complete the project.
The tribe hopes to put the final ink to a deal with Wells Fargo on the loan with payments to come from gaming proceeds.
Part of the expansion will include asking tribal members to approve the sale of liquor at the casino.
In 2012, tribal members approved the sale of wine and beer as the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Events Center. However the current rules for serving and possessing alcohol anywhere on the property are highly restrictive.
During the general elections, to be held on 29th May, tribal voters will decide whether or not alcohol can?be sold at the new casino.
If the final contract is approved by the Fort Hall Business Council then ground breaking ceremonies for the new casino ?will be held?in mid-August.